Abdullah Zahid (CSE-23 AIR-744) Comprehensive Strategy

Abdullah Zahid, a young civil services aspirant hailing from the small town of Afzalgarh in Uttar Pradesh, has recently made his mark in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023. With an impressive All India Rank of 744, Zahid has proven his mettle in the highly competitive exam, specializing in Electrical Engineering as his optional subject.

Background

Born and raised in Afzalgarh, Zahid's family later relocated to Dehradun in 2007, seeking better educational opportunities. After completing his Electrical Engineering degree from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2018, Zahid worked for a year at Siemens Ltd. However, he soon realized his true calling lay in the civil services and decided to dedicate himself fully to the UPSC preparation journey.

Zahid's Unique UPSC Journey

Zahid's UPSC journey has been truly remarkable, resembling a "V-shaped recovery." In his first attempt in 2020, he reached the interview stage but narrowly missed selection. The second attempt in 2021 saw him failing to qualify for the interview due to underperformance in his optional subject. Undeterred, Zahid faced yet another setback in the third attempt in 2022 when he couldn't clear the Preliminary examination.

Determined to overcome these challenges, Zahid persevered and emerged victorious in his fourth attempt in 2023, securing an impressive AIR 744. This remarkable turnaround was not without its trials, as Zahid faced unexpected health hurdles during his Mains examination. Despite battling a viral fever and typhoid just weeks before his interview, he remained steadfast, drawing strength from the unwavering support of his family and friends.

The Role of Mentors and Support System

Throughout his UPSC journey, Zahid found solace and guidance in the senior mentors and peers he had cultivated at the Jamia RCA. Individuals like Amir bhai, Mohibullah bhai (IPS), Saad bhai, Adnan, and Uzair played a crucial role in supporting Zahid, both academically and emotionally, during the challenging times he faced.

The camaraderie and peer-to-peer learning within this supportive network proved invaluable, as they helped Zahid navigate the complexities of the UPSC preparation process. From academic discussions to mental health support, Zahid's seniors and friends were instrumental in his ultimate success.

Preparation Strategies and Techniques

Zahid's preparation approach evolved over the course of his multiple attempts. Initially, he struggled with organized note-making, relying solely on his memory and extensive reading. However, after his third attempt setback, he adopted a more structured approach, integrating notes from various sources, including Rushikesh Reddy Sir, Dipin Sir's CA classes, ForumIAS MGP test series, and the "Target UPSC Mains" notes for GS2.

For GS4 (Ethics), Zahid found the "Decode Ethics" by Mudit Jain to be a valuable resource, supplementing it with the examples provided by Sunya IAS. He emphasized the importance of consistent answer writing practice, engaging in discussions with his peer group, which included Shaarif bhai and Farheen Zahid (AIR 241).

Exam Strategies

Zahid believed in the importance of identifying the challenging questions in the Preliminary examination and focusing on attempting the easy and moderate ones with a high degree of accuracy. For the CSAT paper, he advocated for a judicious mix of all sections, rather than relying solely on the mathematical component.

Regarding the Mains examination, Zahid invested significant time in understanding the approach to answer writing, revisiting the strategies taught by Mudit Jain and Ashutosh Sir (India Bhai) from the Telegram-based group. These lessons helped him develop a strong foundation for crafting impactful answers within the limited time frame.

Conclusion

Abdullah Zahid's UPSC journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the support of a strong network. Despite facing numerous setbacks, he persevered, learned from his mistakes, and emerged victorious in his fourth attempt, securing a well-deserved rank of 744.

Zahid's story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring civil servants, reminding them that success is not always a linear path, but a journey of growth and self-discovery. By leveraging the guidance of mentors, building a supportive peer group, and continuously refining his preparation strategies, Zahid has set an exemplary standard for future UPSC aspirants to follow.